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Official: Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs cancelled due to Middle East conflict

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

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23:00, 14 Mar

Updated: 23:23, 14 Mar

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byKada Sarkozi

After GPblog was able to report yesterday that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix would be cancelled, the decision has been officially announced.

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It is now official that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April due to the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East. Ahead of the season opener in Melbourne, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.

Iran responded by targeting US-bases across the Middle East, including Bahrain and Qatar. One of Aramco’s oil refineries (Aston Martin’s title sponsor and an F1 global partner) was also set on fire in Saudi Arabia due to falling debris.

Previously, Mercedes and McLaren were also meant to do a Pirelli tyre test in Bahrain, which had to be cancelled. Their personnel had to spend a few days in their hotel as closed airspace made a return flight impossible as well, but they have since safely returned home.

The races in Sakhir and Jeddah will not be replaced.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: "While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so."

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: "The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind. We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events.

“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow. My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision."

When will the season continue after the Japanese GP?

This means that after the grid visits the Suzuka Circuit, teams will have the month of April to work on their cars in their factories without any racing.

The Japanese Grand Prix takes place on 29 March, and the next race in Miami will follow on 3 May.